Saskia Morrison-Thiagu

Imagine the terror of having to hide your queer identity within the confines of a 1990s Pentecostal Church. That’s the journey that talented actor, dancer and writer Joel Bray takes his audiences on in Homo Pentecostus. A story of hiding one's true self due to shame and a society that doesn’t let you spread your wings. Homo Pentecostus blends music, movement and even humour to peel back the layers of the conflict between the church and queer identity. From humble church halls to vibrant disco dance floors, this creative exploration of the self is a testament to resilience, love, and personal truth. Joel Bray is a proud Wiradjuri man and queer man whose works are intimate encounters in unorthodox spaces, inviting the audience to join him in exploring the intersections of Indigenous heritage, faith and queer sexuality.  Starring Joel Bray and Peter Paltos, Homo Pentecostus is playing a short run at the Malthouse Theatre from May 10-25. It’s also the show’s first run, so make sure you get in early before word catches on about how wonderful it is. Tickets range from $35-$85. Plus, grab a preview ticket and save up to $30. For more information and to purchase tickets, head to the Malthouse Theatre website.

What brings you joy? Is it your morning coffee on the way to work, sitting outside on a blue-sky day, or the nostaligia from watching a movie from your childhood? That's what the Immigration Museum wants to find out with its latest exhibition Joy, which is all about leaning into what makes us happy and of course, joyful. Joy is an emotive adventure where creativity, colour and storytelling join forces to take you on a transformative journey. Each of the seven installations come from a different creative, carrying their own interpretation of the meaning of joy. Discover what brings warmth and happiness to each of these artists below.   

There's a reason why the Central Coast is one of NSW's most popular getaway destinations, but there's a lot more to this region than its flourishing dining scene and beautiful coastline. In fact, this month the Central Coast is exploding with engaging events, and what's even better is that most of these events are free.  

Looking for somewhere to take your friends and family to that’s just around the corner from the South Melbourne Market? Well you’ll be pleased to know that the Clarendon has just reopened after a major facelift, and now boasts a wonderful Asian fusion menu. Aptly named after the street it sits on, the Clarendon is in a prime location for an after-work meal. The Asian fusion menu is headed up by a Michelin-starred chef, so you’re guaranteed something deliciously different. Plus, the Clarendon is also offering a fabulous dining special from now until May 14 – which includes an entrée, main course and side dish for just $50 per person. Sign us up! This dining offer is available for lunch from 12-3pm, as well as limited seatings at 6pm, 6.30pm, 7.30pm and 8pm for dinner. Between those times, there’s also the option to nibble on some dishes from the light snack menu. For those who might not know, the Clarendon is brought to you by the same team as Mirror Mirror Rooftop Lounge, which is upstairs in the same building. So it would be silly not to dine at the Clarendon and then indulge in after-dinner cocktails at Mirror Mirror afterwards.  To find out more about the Clarendon and make a booking, head to the website.

Have you ever wondered what happens to your imaginary friends after you grow up? IF (Imaginary Friends) explores just that. This new family-friendly flick blends animation with live-action in a heartwarming storyline about long-lost friends. To celebrate the release of this star-studded film (hello Ryan Reynolds and Phoebe Waller-Bridge), Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq and the film IF have teamed up to give Aussies the chance to win an adventure to Los Angeles and much more.  From writer and director John Krasinski and starring Ryan Reynolds, IF is about a girl who discovers that she can see everyone’s imaginary friends — and what she does with that superpower — as she embarks on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten imaginary friends with their kids, and enters a world you have to believe to see. Other stars to keep an eye out for (or ear, more like) are Maya Rudolph, Blake Lively, Christopher Meloni, Keegan-Michael Key, Matt Damon, Bradley Cooper, Amy Schumer and George Clooney — as they will be lending their voices to adorable animated IFs.  How to win If you don't know about Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, where have you been? Their huge arcades are filled with so many fun activities, like bowling, mini golf, laser tag and even virtual reality games. One of the best things you can do at Archie Brothers is purchase a fun bundle, which includes three activities for just $35. And now, buying one is all the more sweeter with the chance to win a family trip to LA. This

It’s well known that Melburnians are very proud of which side of the Yarra they're from. The north and south divide (as it’s commonly referred to) is an innocent rivalry as old as time. While we often joke about this divide, the truth is that many just aren’t familiar with all that the other side has to offer. In fact, the south is brimming with festivals and activities for people of all ages and walks of life — a secret that locals have known about for years. A bayside city that's definitely worth venturing south for this autumn is Frankston. What was once a small fishing community is now a thriving and unexpected blend of cultural, creative and culinary experiences. While Frankston is an excellent summer destination due to its ten kilometres of pristine coastline, it’s also equally as exciting during the colder months. This April and May, see the global light sensation Kubik and embrace over 45 different arts events at South Side Festival.  Kubik From April 5-20, Kubik is a magical waterfront disco that will illuminate the city of Frankston. This open air event is made entirely out of water tanks that light up in multiple colours and are synchronised with music. Visit this incredible event during the week. Or wait until the weekend to enjoy a huge full program of events, including Melbourne’s finest DJs who'll be churning the hits all night long. Playing a range of genres like house, techno, hip-hop and disco, this multi-week event is the perfect activity for music lovers a

There’s something special about being able to put the inconceivable into words. That’s why we resonate so much with our favourite authors, screenwriters and playwrights — because writers can do what many of us cannot, which is to make sense of the world around us through words. From May 6-12, celebrate writers from all walks of life at the Melbourne Writers Festival (MWF). This action-packed event for bookworms and writers will allow you to hear from New York Times best-selling authors, Pulitzer and Booker Prize standouts and festival first-timers. There will also be many MWF exclusive events centred around this year’s theme of ‘Ghosts’, inviting attendees to ponder the ghosts (figurative and literal) that haunt our daily lives. Read more about some of the must-see events below. 

There's a reason why the Central Coast is one of NSW's most popular getaway destinations, but there's a lot more to this region than just a beautiful coastline. In fact, this month the Central Coast is exploding with engaging events, and what's even better is that most of these events are free.  Glint of Koi Head over to the Gosford Regional Gallery this April 27 to June 9 and marvel at the free 'Glint of Koi' exhibition, which showcases signifant artworks from the Central Coast Council Art collection. The collection is a diverse array of works that tell a story of the region's changing character over the last 50 years. Reserve your free ticket here. Sunday Funkday Every Sunday from 2pm, Sunday Funkday at Terrigal Beach House is an afternoon of live music with a side of excellent seafood and ice cold drinks. There's also an opportunity to book a private cabana for groups of eight to twelve.  Creative Spaces  Creative Spaces is an ongoing creative residency program that gives artists the chance to showcase their work at the Gallery Container in Toukley Village Green. The Gallery Container is a converted 12 metre shipping container that regularly plays host to some of the best local and emerging artists. From now until June 28, Grace Agnes is taking over the space with her original artworks, pet portraits and digitial designs. Agnes will also be running an extensive itinerary of exciting collaborations, art exhibitions, photography sessions, creative workshops and classes, arti

Melbourne is abundant with things to do: walk down our famous laneways, eat at some of our small-but-mighty eateries and enjoy the best coffee in Australia (sorry, but it's true). This is what makes Melbourne's vibrant city so spectacular. It's also why we're usually at the forefront of experimentation, especially when it merges technology with creativity.  In fact, there's so many things you can do in Melbourne right now that will make you feel like you're living in the year 3000. So strap in and prepare for take off, we're heading for the future. 

Just a stone's throw from South Melbourne Market, Mirror Mirror Rooftop Lounge is an ideal spot to gather your mates for a cheeky cocktail, or an even cheekier boozy brunch.  Unwind from the busy work week every Saturday and Sunday with the Fairest of Them All boozy brunch session from 1pm to 3pm. For just $80 per person, you can enjoy two hours of free-flowing beer, cider, wine and select cocktails, with a side of panoramic city views. Of course, you'll also need to line your stomach – and it doesn't hurt that the rooftop bar snacks menu is headed up by a Michelin-starred chef and an incredible kitchen team cooking most of the food on the bbq on the roof. Aside from being your new boozy brunch destination, Mirror Mirror is pumping great vibes Wednesday through to Sunday from midday until late. We love a venue that can do both. Do you have a big group? No problem. You can also hire Mirror Mirror's semi-private and exclusive spaces for events.  Situated on Clarendon Street, this lush new rooftop is a must-visit for the whole crew. South Melbourne locals may recognise the location as its previous iteration, Sky Bar, but with a lot more than just a lick of paint, it's now looking fresher than ever.  The Clarendon, a restaurant on the same building's ground floor, will also be getting a refresh. So keep an eye out for more info, as it will be brought to you by the same fantastic team as Mirror Mirror.  To find out more about Mirror Mirror Rooftop Lounge and to make a booking, hea

One of the best things about Asia is how truly diverse it is. You have the snowy Himalayas in Nepal, the beautiful cherry blossoms of Japan, the stunning coastlines of Thailand and the busy streets of India.  While many Aussies love a beachside holiday with plenty of rest and relaxation, you’d be missing out on a whole lot of fun if you overlooked adventure activities in Asia. That’s why we put together this list of some of the best, which you can surf, dive and jump in below.  To make this trip abroad much easier, ubank offers Spend accounts which come with a Visa debit card and no ATM or international transaction fees charged by ubank, and a Save account to fund your adventures. Plus, ubank have an easy-to-use app. So let’s explore!

As winter approaches; our electric blankets come out, our barely-working radiators get turned on again and we start to daydream about lying in the sun somewhere a lot warmer.  Luckily in other parts of the world, it is warmer. In fact, while we suffer the winter blues – plenty of sun soaked Europeans are living their best lives during their summer. So it’s no surprise that plenty of Aussies make the 20-plus hour journey over the Atlantic to get some extra rays.  It’s also the perfect time to go outside of your comfort zone and try some adrenaline-pumping outdoor activities. If hot air balloon rides in Turkey and diving off the coast of Greece lights your fire, then look no further than this list of active adventures. To make this trip abroad much easier, ubank offers Spend accounts which come with a Visa debit card and no ATM or international transaction fees charged by ubank, and a Save account to fund your adventures. Plus, ubank have an easy-to-use app. So let’s explore!  

Put on those winter woollies and mosey on down to Sovereign Hill for Winter Wonderlights, a magical night-out for the whole family, including SNOW (not the real kind, but just as breathtaking). The time capsule of an 1850s Victorian town will also come to life with light projections and installations, leaving you enthralled by Sovereign Hill’s charm.  From June 28 until July 21 (including the winter school holidays), catch the magic of Winter Wonderlights for its tenth birthday. That’s right, this wonderful event has been taking place since 2014 and has contributed more than $25 million to Ballarat’s economy.  More than 770,000 people have visited Winter Wonderlights since 2014, and we can see why. Once a year the former gold-rush city embodies the spirit of Christmas, with festive music and projections on shopfronts as you wander through the famous streetscape. All you have to do is wait until sun down, then wait for the magic to unfold. If exploring the streets of Sovereign Hill works up an appetite, then it's a good idea to warm up with a delicious two-course hearty meal at the Winter Wonderlights dinner. Enjoy a delicious serving of roast turkey and glazed ham, served with roasted rosemary potatoes, winter vegetables, steamed greens, gravy and cranberry sauce. Plus, no festive meal is complete without Christmas pudding, served with crème anglaise, chocolate fondant, or you have the option of artisan ice cream, too. There's also vegan and vegetarian options, h

If getting silly at a high tea with your best mates sounds like a fun day out, you’re not wrong. Jose Cuervo Tequila knows all about this, and wants to bring the fun to your traditional high tea outing. High Tea-Quila is exactly what you'd expect, a six-session tea party run by Jose Cuervo Tequila where tequila is the main course. Shaking up cocktails, and high tea as you know it. This weekend, Jose Cuervo Tequila has collaborated with Abbie Chatfield to take over El Primo Sanchez —  a vibey cocktail bar in Paddington and Time Out’s Cocktail and Tequila Bar of the Year 2023. For just $50, you will get to devour five delicious bites, while you sip on three Jose Cuervo Tequila cocktails with a high tea twist.  The Mexican-inspired menu is more than just cucumber sandwiches, with menu items like bitter orange and tequila jam scones, Mexican finger sandwiches with Barbacoa brisket, coctel de camaron (prawns, Mexican cocktail sauce and tabasco on a salted biscuit) and chorizo con papas slider (potato bread, fermented potato purée and whipped nduja). And let’s not forget that every high tea isn’t complete without something sweet, Margarita cheesecake anyone? Sessions will run at various times from 12pm until 5pm on Saturday, April 20 and at various times between 12pm and 5:30pm on Sunday, April 21. To find out more about the event and to buy tickets, head to the website here.

There is so much to explore in Ballarat this year, with one of the major highlights being White Night Ballarat: an evening of illuminations, projections, music and interactive works.  On Saturday, June 1, put on your woolly socks and puffer jacket to watch the city of gold light up for six hours from 6pm until midnight. You’ll be greeted by almost 40 projections, more than 100 artists and performers, and two concert stages of non-stop entertainment.  There will be performances from eight-piece powerhouse Jazz Party, late-night disco-inspired Tek Tek Ensemble, three-piece rockabilly band The Rechords, and Punjabi-Australian singer and lead of psychedelic band The Bombay Royale, Parvyn. Plus, appearances by Ballarat locals like Yacht Club DJs, Sami and Lashes.  Of course, there will be stunning projections and installations from artists who mostly hail from Ballarat and its surrounds. One of White Night’s featured works will be 'Still Here' by the late Gunditjmara, Yorta Yorta and Barkindji man Josh Muir. And you won't want to miss a series of joyful projections by Deborah Klein, a Melbourne-based creative who infuses an ethereal quality into her work. Her poignant work titled ‘Decorated Women’ depicts three women masked by moths. For those interested in slow-motion and real-time video, Lisa Walker’s ‘Slow Curtain’ projection is also a must-see. Another highlight of this captivating one-night-only event will be White Night Bites, a spotlight of Ballarat’s culinary delights. Man

It’s 2am and you’ve found yourself in an incoherent conversation with a high-energy himbo and his hot lady muse in the club smokers. They’re not a couple, and yet they keep making out in between offering you more of whatever it is they’re on. You can’t find your friends, and now you’re considering going home with them to explore a new life of non-monogamy. That’s what going to see Hot Department is like. A wild party of fast quips, chaotic dance numbers and horniness. It’s not for the faint-of-heart, but it is for those who would rather go big than go home.  From the outset, Honor Wolff and Patrick Durnan Silva explode with energy. They’re dancing like nobody's watching, except it’s a packed-out audience at the Malthouse Theatre. This impeccable duo knows their audience very well –  they’ve perfectly cultivated a style of comedy for the theatrical Inner North queer community. They walk, so a new breed of fast-paced and ultra-camp comedians can run.  Early on the duo reveals that they are, unsurprisingly, theatre kids, meeting at acting school before deciding to venture into comedy. This explains the triple-threat nature of Durnan Silva and Wolff — who can not only make you giggle, but can also come up with sharp song lyrics and even tap-dance.  Stand up comedians should watch out, because Hot Department relies on more than just witty observations. They will kill you with laughter, then tap-dance on your grave. It’s refreshing to see sketch comedy made for a younger and chroni

When was the last time you went to see a show and the actors met you at the door, got you a drink and then flirted with you? Probably never. Luckily that’s about to change, as the Bondi Pavilion presents the Slightly Isolated Dog Production: Don Juan. This sexy and hilarious show supported by Creative New Zealand will tickle you in ways you've never been tickled, and more! If you aren’t familiar with the original master of seduction Don Juan, then strap in (or strap on) because the story of this lustful fictional man will be retold to you by five dazzling performers. The charming cast is made up of five Kiwis putting on a French accent, so you’re guaranteed a chaotic hour of fun.  The show combines physical comedy, twisted pop songs, explosive wit and a wild dress-up party for what promises to be a hilarious and raucous time. Not only are the cast having a boisterous time on stage, but they intend to bring you along for the ride too — telling the story of Don Juan with you.  Check out this fun production at Bondi Pavilion from May 23 until May 25. Tickets range from $20-$40, with under 30s getting $20 tickets plus booking. For more info, head to the website.

Located within the picturesque beachside suburb of Mordialloc is a lively industrial precinct, otherwise known as Mordi Village. It’s home to a wonderful array of local, innovative and creative businesses that showcase all the suburb has to offer. Something else you may not know about this thriving outer ‘burb is that it is about to be home to an incredible street art scene.  To celebrate all things street art, the City of Kingston is putting on a three day event in collaboration with the award-winning street art collective Juddy Roller. From April 26-28, the Wall to Wall street art festival will ignite the streets of Mordi with ten large-scale murals, street art tours, events and live music.  The full line-up of high-profile Australian and international artists includes George Rose, Adnate, Smug, Blo, Fred Battle (Zoer), Justine McAllister, Filthy Ratbag, Tommy Day, Drez, as well as Mordi Village resident, Kyle Brightside. Not only that, but many of the local businesses located in Mordi Village are getting involved too. Grab a coffee and a sanga from Bikecraft, or sign up for the free brewing process tour at Braeside Brewing Co. You could also try your own hand at making art by painting a skateboard to take home at Brightside Art. If a long day of exploring Mordi Village works up an appetite, enjoy a sit-down lunch at Hansa’s Steak and Grill. Then visit Le Studio Art Space & Gallery to look at some glorious art, and even sign up for an art workshop. For a fun day out with fr

Catch The Strongman, The Mighty Caesar, the UK hooping darling Peter Welter and acrobatic jock Josh Duncan perform a spectacle of neon-coloured fun, circus, physical theatre and hilarious comedy in their show Moist. You’ll also laugh your moistened behinds off with charismatic host Timothy Christoper Ryan.  If you haven't explored a comedy circus before, then you’re missing out big time. Prepare to laugh, cheer and be left gobsmacked at the sheer talent of these four dazzling himbos. They will perform death defying stunts while making you hot and bothered with their sexy, watery twists and turns.  Described as a “very queer take on circus” by Glam Adelaide, this hilarious circus has been on a huge tour of most of Australia (NSW, WA, SA). Now our four delicious eye-candy heroes are back in their hometown Melbourne, and we’re so happy to have them back.  It’s queer, it’s funny, it’s camp, it’s hot, it’s wet, it’s a little bit scary. What more could you want?  Catch these moist-inducing himbos at the Dancehouse in Carlton North on April 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13 at 9pm during the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.